Female Genital Mutilation

What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

FGM is when a girl’s external genitalia (vagina) are cut or pricked.

It is mainly carried out on young girls between the ages of 8 – 15, often when girls leave primary school and before they enter secondary school, but can be carried out at any age. The practice is most common in the western, eastern, and north-eastern regions of Africa, in some countries the Middle East and Asia, as well as among migrants from these areas. FGM is therefore a global concern.

There are different types of FGM.

They all involve cutting different bits of a girl’s vagina. In some cases, all of their vagina are cut away and sewn up, with only a small hole left to allow for girls to wee and pass blood (periods). There is a range of support available to help girls and anyone else who has concerns about FGM.

In the UK FGM has been a criminal offence since 1985 (Female Circumcision Act). In 2003 the law was updated and renamed the Female Genital Mutilation Act. This means that anyone found to be involved in FGM including sending girls abroad for FGM can be prosecuted and sent to prison for up to 14 years.

Under UK law FGM is regarded as a human rights issue. When it involves a girl under 18 years it is regarded as child abuse and when it involves a women over the age of 18 it is treated as violence against women.

These numbers are free and available in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Confidentiality

We will not tell anyone, including partners, parents, teachers, friends, family or doctors that you have spoken to us or came to see us unless you ask us to. Anything you say to us will be treated with respect. There are times when confidentiality may need to be broken so that we can protect you under the law. However, we will ALWAYS try and discuss this with you first. For example, if you tell us, or we think you are in danger or at risk of harm to yourself and/or others including children, we will contact the relevant agencies to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

The Glade Our two centres are located in Telford and Bransford, Worcestershire. All self referrals should be initially made via telephone - full address details of our centres will be given via telephone only.